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Starting a Small Business in Connecticut

Welcome to the Small Business Startup Connecticut Franchise Directory! Here, you'll find everything you need to begin your journey to business ownership in the Constitution State. If you're considering starting a small business in Connecticut, read on for an overview of the state economy. Afterward, explore business opportunities and franchises for sale with our Connecticut Franchise Search Tool.

Connecticut Industry Trends

If an industry is performing well, business opportunities within it are often worth exploring. Begin your market research with this list of the Connecticut economy's most prominent industries in 2022. Afterward, take your research one step further by investigating niche markets and B2B opportunities within one of these top revenue-generating industries.

Health & Medical Insurance (Revenue: $81.6 billion)
Life Insurance & Annuities (Revenue: $68.4 billion)
Aircraft, Engine & Parts Manufacturing (Revenue: $52.7 billion)
Drug, Cosmetic & Toiletry Wholesaling (Revenue: $50.2 billion)
Property, Casualty & Direct Insurance (Revenue: $25.8 billion)
Public Schools (Revenue: $19.0 billion)
Colleges & Universities (Revenue: $18.0 billion)
E-commerce & Online Auctions (Revenue: $15.4 billion)
Portfolio Management (Revenue: $14.7 billion)
New Car Dealers (Revenue: $14.3 billion)

Connecticut Sector Statistics

When starting a small business in Connecticut, gross domestic product (GDP) is another tool entrepreneurs can use to make investment decisions. Generally, a steadily rising GDP means that people are spending more money and creating more jobs.

The three sectors that contributed most to Connecticut's GDP in 2022 were Finance & Insurance; Real Estate, Rentals & Leasing; and Manufacturing. Combined, these three sectors represented 41.6% of the state's GDP. In 2022, the sectors that contributed most to Connecticut's GDP included:

Finance & Insurance (Value: $34.7 billion* | Annual growth: 0.5%)
Real Estate, Rentals & Leasing (Value: $32.1 billion* | Annual growth: -0.3%)
Manufacturing (Value: $27.4 billion* | Annual growth: -0.6%)
Healthcare and Social Assistance (Value: $21.1 billion* | Annual growth: 1.8%)
Information (Value: $20.7 billion* | Annual growth: 6.6%)
Professional, Scientific & Technical Services (Value: $19.5 billion* | Annual growth: 3.4%)
Wholesale Trade (Value: $13.5 billion* | Annual growth: 2.0%)
Retail Trade (Value: $13.2 billion* | Annual growth: 0.3%)
Administration, Business Support & Waste Management Services (Value: $7.4 billion* | Annual growth: 5.5%)
Management of Companies & Enterprises (Value: $6.9 billion* | Annual growth: -0.2%)
Construction (Value: $5.7 billion* | Annual growth: 0.8%)
Accommodation & Food Services (Value: $5.4 billion* | Annual growth: 5.4%)
Educational Services (Value: $5.1 billion* | Annual growth: -1.5%)
Transportation & Warehousing (Value: $4.4 billion* | Annual growth: -0.1%)
Other Services (except Public Administration (Value: $3.7 billion* | Annual growth: -2.2%)

*Approximately

Connecticut Population Statistics

A growing population often means greater demand and a steady flow of new customers. If you are undecided about the location of your new business, start by investigating population statistics. Afterward, take your research a step further by exploring population demographics. Doing so lets you decide whether a location is a good match for your target market.

In 2022, counties with the highest populations in Connecticut included:

Fairfield (Population: 940,100 | Annual growth rate*: -0.1%)
Hartford (Population: 886,000 | Annual growth rate*: -0.2%)
New Haven (Population: 848,100 | Annual growth rate*: -0.2%)
New London (Population: 263,200 | Annual growth rate*: -0.3%)
Litchfield (Population: 178,100 | Annual growth rate*: -0.4%)
Middlesex (Population: 160,400 | Annual growth rate*: -0.4%)
Tolland (Population: 150,200 | Annual growth rate*: -0.1%)
Windham (Population: 116,200 | Annual growth rate*: -0.1%)

*From 2017 to 2022.

Connecticut Business Opportunities

We hope this snapshot of the Connecticut economy helps as you investigate business opportunities in the Constitution State! Starting a small business in Connecticut is an exciting journey, and we know you're probably eager to get started. But remember, take your time to explore all your options. While you'll always have the "opportunity" to start your own business, sometimes, it makes more sense to invest in an opportunity that already exists. These are called "Franchise Opportunities," and they offer several benefits, including the recognition of a well-established brand and a proven track record of success.

To learn more, start by exploring franchise opportunities in Connecticut below!

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Window Genie

Window Genie, a Neighborly company, is the nation's leading window cleaning and pressure washing franchise. With us, you'll open your window to a brighter future

$50,000 Min Cash Required

CartCapital - Subscription Based E-Commerce Store

Did you know you could partner with a company to build out your entire e-commerce store, from product research to inventory acquisition to marketing? Yep You can easily make 6-7 figures in passive income when we build your e-commerce empire and money-making machine from the ground up All it takes is an upfront investment, and our team will do the rest. By this time next year, you could be sitting on a 7 figure empire. Request more information now

$30,000 Min Cash Required

Batteries Plus

Over 30 years of consistent growth. Ongoing support. Multiple revenue streams. Whether youre looking into owning your very first store, or youre interested in adding to your existing franchise portfolio, Batteries Plus is here to help. Learn more about the costs, benefits, and available locations today

$100,000 Min Cash Required

Proper Ecom

We build and manage Amazon stores for you. You bring the startup capital. We set up your store, add high-demand products, and handle everythinglistings, shipping, customer support, and growth. You own the store and keep the profits. We run the business behind the scenes for you.

$100,000 Min Cash Required

The Learning Experience

Make a positive difference in the lives of children, families & communities With 500+ sites open or under development, The Learning Experience (TLE) has become one of the nations fastest growing child care franchise organizations. TLE is one of the fastest growing early childhood education franchisors in the U.S. and the leading brand-focused player in the industry. Pioneering investments in technology keep TLE at the forefront of innovation in the industry. Inquire to learn more today.

$150,000 Min Cash Required

SiteSwan

Start your own web design business with SiteSwan. Create & sell websites to small businesses in your area with our easy-to-use, private label website builder. Set your own prices - keep 100 of the sales. Our turnkey platform is designed for anyone looking to sell websites to small businesses - no experience needed.

Starting a Small Business in Connecticut